ARTICLES

Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has charged a Medicine Hat man following an incident at a business in the 600 block of Kingsway Avenue SE.

On May 11, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers responded after a report that an item had been thrown at propane tanks outside the business, resulting in a small explosion. No property damage was reported.

As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Shaylon Witts of Medicine Hat has been charged with:

• Using Explosives
• Make / Possess an Explosive Substance
• Disobey a Court Order

Witts was held for a bail hearing and remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on May 15, 2026.

EMS attended and treated people at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.

Media Contact:
Patrol S/Sgt
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Phone: 403-529-8461

On May 6, 2026, around 8:49 a.m., police responded to the 1000 block of Ross Glen Drive SE after a report that a truck and trailer had been stolen overnight. The missing items included a 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 truck and a Mirage trailer.

During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage, which assisted in identifying the suspect vehicle and one of the individuals believed to be involved. Later that morning, police located the suspect vehicle and arrested an adult male driver. A second adult male was located and arrested in the downtown area later the same day in connection with the investigation.

As a result, Ryan Bowden, 47, from Medicine Hat, faces charges of:

• Theft Over $5000
• Possession of a Controlled Substance

Bowden was held for a judicial interim release hearing and subsequently released on a release order, to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on May 21, 2026. The second accused, Gilbert Monte, 48, also from Medicine Hat, was charged with possession of stolen property under $5000 and released on an undertaking to appear in court on June 30, 2026.

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has charged a 17-year-old in connection with a weapons-related incident that occurred April 20, 2026, in the Southeast Hill area of Medicine Hat. Police received reports that a male was allegedly threatening others in the area with a machete.

Police responded to the complaint and, following an investigation, one youth was arrested without incident.

The 17-year-old has been charged with:

• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
• Assault with a Weapon

The youth was remanded into custody and later released with conditions. The accused is scheduled to appear in Youth Justice Court on May 25, 2026. Due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), the identity of the accused cannot be released, and no further information will be provided.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and the MHPS is requesting public assistance to identify a person of interest. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the person in the attached photo is asked to contact MHPS at 403-529-8481. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or the MHPS mobile app.

Media Contact:
Patrol S/Sgt.
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

 -Update-

Fire has been contained and the roads have been re-opened

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Emergency Crews are on scene at a grass fire in the area of Saamis Dr NW, Medicine Hat in the area of The Link Church and Sun City Ford. Please avoid the area and allow the police and fire services room to work. Any media inquiries are directed to the Medicine Hat Fire Service.

Police road bloack are located at 3 St at Saamis Dr NW as well as the area of condominiums located at 1648 Saamis Dr NW.

Please obey drirections provided by police or flag persons.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Unit is investigating an incident that occurred on April 29, 2026, in the 300 block of 7 Street SE. Police attended a residence where an injured male was located and transported to hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information related to this incident, including anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481.

Further updates will be provided when available.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: (403) 529 8421

On April 15, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a residence in the 600 block of 20 Street NE. Police were met by the homeowner, who reported that two men were inside the residence without authorization.

Officers entered the residence and observed two men carrying multiple bags. Both individuals were taken into custody. During the arrest, one man attempted to flee and was apprehended following a brief foot pursuit.

A search of the bags found in the suspects’ possession revealed numerous tools that belonged to the homeowner. As a result, Mitchell Wasiliew, 36, of no fixed address, and Jesse Schneider, 44, of no fixed address, have been charged with break and enter and theft. Wasiliew has also been charged with resisting arrest. Charges have not been proven in court.

Both individuals were held for judicial interim release hearings. Wasiliew was remanded into custody pending his next court appearance on April 21, 2026. Schneider was released on a release order and is scheduled to appear in provincial court on May 21, 2026.

Media contact:
Patrol S/Sgt.
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

The Medicine Hat Police Service joins policing partners across Canada in mourning the line of duty death of Sgt. Anaïs Fortin-Cozzens of the Sûreté du Québec.

To honour Sgt. Fortin-Cozzens’ service and sacrifice, MHPS flags will be lowered to half-mast until sunset on April 29, 2026. Officers are also authorized to wear memorial ribbons during this period as a sign of respect and solidarity.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Fortin-Cozzens’ family, friends, and colleagues at the Sûreté du Québec.

We stand with the policing community in remembering Sgt. Fortin-Cozzens, and in recognizing the risks and sacrifices inherent in police service.

May she rest in peace.

At approximately 1:20 a.m. on April 7, 2026, a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section was conducting traffic control in the area of the Trans-Canada Highway when a truck travelling eastbound passed at a high rate of speed in the opposite direction. The officer attempted to catch up to the truck to initiate a traffic stop. After exiting onto 13 Avenue to travel northbound, the truck lost control due to excessive speed and collided with a traffic light pole. When the officer arrived, the male driver and male passenger fled on foot. Two females and another male were observed exiting the rear passenger seats of the vehicle. A female occupant was located injured in the rear passenger seat.

All four individuals identified as youths at the scene were transported to hospital with minor injuries. Further investigation identified the driver who fled as a 17-year-old male youth. It was also confirmed that the truck had been reported stolen.

The 17-year-old male driver was later located, uninjured, and charged with:

•             Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm (four counts)

•             Possession of stolen property over $5,000

•             Breach of probation (three counts)

•             Driving without a licence

•             Driving without insurance

•             Fail to remain at the scene of an accident

The accused was held for a judicial interim release hearing and remanded into custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Three passengers were also charged with breaching court orders and were released to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on May 25, 2026.

In accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the names of the youths accused will not be released.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Media Contact:

Patrol S/Sgt, Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Phone: 403-529-8461

As Fraud Prevention Month comes to a close, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is sharing key statistics to highlight the scope and impact of fraud in our community.

In 2025, MHPS investigated approximately 590 fraud-related occurrences. The most commonly reported types of fraud included computer fraud, online fraud, transaction card fraud, mass marketing fraud, and securities or financial fraud.

The financial impact on local residents was significant. In 2025, Medicine Hat residents reported losses of more than $4 million. Through investigative efforts, MHPS was able to recover approximately 4% of reported losses.

Frauds involving online banking, credit or debit cards, and cheques may also result in financial institutions conducting their own investigations. In some cases, victims may be able to recover funds through their bank or card issuer.

Online scams continue to be challenging to investigate, particularly when funds are transferred using gift cards, e-transfers, cryptocurrency, or online deposits. These methods can be difficult to trace, and funds may be moved outside of Canada, which can limit recovery.

MHPS reminds the public that fraud prevention is a year-round responsibility. Ongoing education and awareness help reduce victimization and empower citizens to recognize warning signs early.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or an attempted scam, talk to a trusted person for support and contact police for guidance and assistance.

MHPS encourages residents to:

•             Talk openly with friends and family about common scams

•             Slow down and question urgent demands, threats, or timelines

•             Never pay fines, fees, or debts using gift cards or cryptocurrency

•             Contact police if you are unsure or need advice

Awareness, caution, and communication remain key tools in preventing fraud.

Media Contact:
Sgt. Adam Gregory
Community Safety Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451

On March 28, 2026, in the early morning hours, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Patrol Section conducted a traffic stop involving a 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit in the 600 block of College Drive SE. During the interaction, officers observed what appeared to be the butt end of a firearm on the floor near the driver’s feet. The driver was identified as John Lewis, 45, of no fixed address.

The item was determined to be an air pistol. A subsequent search of the vehicle located approximately 18.15 grams of methamphetamine, one magazine containing .22-calibre ammunition, and an additional 24 rounds of .22-calibre ammunition located throughout the vehicle.

As a result of the investigation, Mr. Lewis has been charged with four counts of breaching a firearms prohibition and one count of possession of a controlled substance. He was held for a judicial interim release hearing and was remanded into custody. His next appearance is scheduled for April 7, 2026, in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Media Contact:

Patrol S/Sgt.
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Phone: 403-529-8481